Native Phormium (Flax) Pictures

Native New Zealand flaxes (Phormiums) come in all shapes and sizes and demeanours - some stand stiffly upright, while others are gracefully fountain shaped. There are two species found in the bush - 'tenax' and 'cookianum' - and all the coloured nursery hybrids come from these.

Dark Red FlaxDark Red Flax...
This rich red New Zealand Phormium (flax) grows in my garden on the edge of the water race. The photograph was taken in winter.
Phormiums by the WaterPhormiums by the Water...
This colourful New Zealand Phormium group enjoys garden life planted on the edge of the water race.
PInk Red FlaxPInk Red Flax...
Many of the popular New Zealand flax hybrids have red or pink toned leaves. They certainly warm up the garden in winter!
Flax with RosesFlax with Roses...
I love growing New Zealand native flaxes next to roses.
Flax Red FlowerFlax Red Flower...
The New Zealand flaxes put on a surprising flowering show mid-summer. Huge stalks are thrown out of the plants, the endsd covered in flowerpods. Birds drink the nectar. This flower is from a large Phormium Tenax.
Green Flax PodGreen Flax Pod...
This bright green pod is part of a smaller flowering flax, possibly the species Phormium Cookianum. It flowers in early summer.
Breath of HeavenBreath of Heaven...
Two contrasting neighbours whose colours and textures complement each other.
Rainbow Flax StripesRainbow Flax Stripes...
The faint cherry red edge of these flax leaves can only be appreciated close up.
Flax and Carex Flax and Carex ...
Two neighbours who complement each other with their difference in scale.
Flax Tricolor and Golden HopFlax Tricolor and Golden Hop...
In Middle Border the Golden Hop continues rampaging through its neighbour plants.
Stripes on Cream DelightStripes on Cream Delight...
The combination of cream and clear green makes this flax one of my favourites.
Half and HalfHalf and Half...
Detail of a symmetrically striped flax leaf
Pittosporum and Flax LeafPittosporum and Flax Leaf...
This tiny leaved Pittosporum has a colour range similar to its large flax neighbour.
Small Red FlaxSmall Red Flax...
Warm colours which always remind me of the sky at sunset
Red Flax with CornflowerRed Flax with Cornflower...
The blue cornflowers self seed here in Middle Border, and are strong enough to push themselves through other more sturdy plants.
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